Primary Department: Public Health Services
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Leah Barton - Interim Executive Director
Secondary Department: N/A
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official:
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Grant - Award
Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): National Association of County and City Health Officials
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): 5%
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Rate is not 0% and is listed above.
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request by Public Health Services for approval to accept from the National Association of County and City Health Officials grant funds in the amount of $20,000, with no required match, for the Wastewater Surveillance Mentorship Program.
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Background and Discussion:
The purpose for this grant is to allow our program the opportunity to expand surveillance coverage, streamline operations through standardized protocols, and train staff in advanced analytical methods. These efforts will ensure our team is well-equipped to respond to emerging public health threats effectively.
Expected Impact:
Harris County aims to increase the geographic and demographic reach of its wastewater surveillance program by onboarding additional MUDs, particularly in underserved and high-risk areas. Stakeholder engagement will be critical to building trust and operationalizing these partnerships. Ensure program consistency and scalability, comprehensive SOPs will be developed and disseminated. Offer training sessions that will equip field technicians and lab staff with the tools and knowledge to implement these protocols effectively. Through collaboration with TEPHI, advanced sequencing capabilities will be used to detect emer...
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